Sports Bra

ABSTRACT

A sports bra may include a chest band defining a break therein, the chest band being constructed and arranged to provide horizontal support of the sports bra; a body portion integrated with the chest band; a clasp mechanism including a protrusion, a loop, and a pleat wherein the clasp mechanism may be positioned within a portion of the break defined by the chest band such that the clasp mechanism may increase and reduce tension in the chest band.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field to which the disclosure generally relates includes apparel.

BACKGROUND

Bras, and in particular sports bras, are commonly designed to fittightly across the chest and torso to reduce movement of breasts duringactivity. Bras may include an intentionally tight-fitting chest band orstrap directly below the cup or cups of the bra which encircles the ribcage of a wearer. The chest band may be made of an elastic material tomaintain tightness of the bra but also allow for expansion of the bandwhen the bra is being put on or taken off as well as during strenuousactivity. The chest band may be made of a non-elastic material tofurther maintain tightness of the bra, but which may increase thedifficulty by which a bra may be put on, worn, or taken off. Brasincluding both elastic and non-elastic chest bands suffer from a varietyof shortcomings relating to comfort, ease of use, and long-lastingtightness of the chest band. For example, an elastic chest band mayallow for stretch in the chest band, but which may also graduallydegrade in elasticity over time and with repeated wear and use.Non-elastic chest bands may maintain their relative tightness over timewith repeated wear and use at the expense of comfort and ease in puttingon and taking off the bra. There is difficulty in passing the chest bandover the bust of a user when putting on and taking off a sports bra.Problems associated with elastic and non-elastic chest bands aredifficult to overcome and existing adjustable chest bands fail toaddress these problems entirely and, in most cases, create additionalproblems.

Adjustable bras that open fully or separate entirely in the front orback may include zippered-front or zippered-back bras that mayspontaneously and undesirably unzip during activity. Zippered-front orzippered-back bras use bulky fasteners that may also be aestheticallyunappealing when worn beneath other clothing because said fasteners maycreate bulges or a “lumpy” appearance in the clothing worn over the bra.

Adjustable bras may also include a strap or plurality of straps arrangedfor selectively tightening the bra as well as the chest band. However,these straps are often left dangling loosely or must be tied in a knotor bow to secure the straps thereby creating an aestheticallyunappealing, bulky look. Alternatively, adjustable bras using a strap,or a plurality of straps may suffer from straps which are too short andcannot be secured properly. Other fasteners such as hook and clasp,hook-and-loop, touch fasteners, buckles, double ring fasteners, andclasps suffer from similar problems in a sports bra as mentioned above.

Additionally, adjustable bras relying on zippered-front orzippered-back, straps, hook and clasp, hook-and-loop, touch fasteners,buckles, double ring fasteners, and clasps fail to account for problemsstemming from the location of the fastening mechanism on the bra.

Chest bands having clasps featuring a means for releasing tightness inthe chest band also fail to include an expandable portion in the body ofthe sports bra such as a pleat or elastic section. Chest bands andsports bras not featuring an expandable pleat are limited to theelasticity of the chest band itself and may reduce comfort, ease of use,and long-lasting tightness of the chest band.

Double ring fasteners require constant pressure to stay tight andengaged around the chest of a wearer. If pressure is released, thedouble-ring fasteners will loosen and once pressure is resumed, may failto refasten with comfort and ease.

Hook and loop fasteners integrated in a chest band may be unpleasant towear against the skin as it is often difficult to properly align hookand loop fasteners such that the fastener does not cause abrasionagainst the user's skin. Hook and loop fasteners may also lose holdingpower in wet or humid conditions, may lose holding power over time, andcan cause damage to other delicate clothes during wash cycles.

Bulky fasteners integrated into elastic and non-elastic chest bands maycreate uncomfortable pressure-points on the body of the wearer over timeand during strenuous exercise when rubbing and chafing may occur. Thesame may occur when a wearer is in a prone position putting pressure onthe fasteners from their body weight or a firm flooring. Therefore,there exists a long felt but unresolved need for a sports bra includingan adjustable chest band that avoids the long-established problemsmentioned herein.

SUMMARY OF ILLUSTRATIVE VARIATIONS

A number of variations may include a sports bra that may include a chestband defining a break therein, the chest band being constructed andarranged to provide horizontal support of the sports bra; at least oneshoulder strap constructed and arranged provide vertical support of thesports bra; a body portion integrated with the shoulder strap and thechest band; a clasp mechanism including a catch, a loop, and a pleatwherein the clasp mechanism may be positioned within a portion of thebreak defined by the chest band constructed and arranged to provideadjustable tension in the chest band.

A number of variations may include a sports bra that may include a chestband defining a break therein; at least one shoulder strap; a frontportion opposite a back portion, the front portion and the back portionconnected to one another at an at least one seam and wherein the atleast one shoulder strap may be positioned between the front portion andthe back portion to provide vertical support of the sports bra; and aclasp mechanism including a catch, a loop, and a pleat wherein the pleatmay be positioned within a portion of the break defined by the chestband.

A number of variations may include a sports bra that may include a chestband defining a break therein, the chest band being constructed andarranged to provide horizontal support of the sports bra; a body portionintegrated with the chest band; a clasp mechanism including a catch, aloop, and a pleat wherein the clasp mechanism may be positioned within aportion of the break defined by the chest band.

Other illustrative variations within the scope of the invention willbecome apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. Thedetailed description and enumerated variations, while disclosingoptional variations, are intended for purposes of illustration only andare not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Select examples of variations within the scope of the invention willbecome more fully understood from the detailed description and theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts one variation of a sports bra;

FIG. 2 depicts one variation of a sports bra;

FIG. 3 depicts one variation of a clasp mechanism in a sports bra;

FIG. 4 depicts one variation of a clasp mechanism in a sports bra

FIG. 5 depicts one variation of a portion of a clasp mechanism

FIG. 6 depicts one variation of a portion of a clasp mechanism

FIG. 7 depicts one variation of a portion of a clasp mechanism;

FIG. 8 depicts one variation of a portion of a clasp mechanism;

FIG. 9 depicts one variation of a portion of a clasp mechanism;

FIG. 10 depicts one variation of a portion of a clasp mechanism;

FIG. 11 depicts one variation of a portion of a clasp mechanismincluding a rigid key;

FIG. 12 depicts one variation of a portion of a clasp mechanismincluding a rigid key;

FIG. 13 depicts one variation of a portion of a clasp mechanismincluding a rigid key;

FIG. 14 depicts one variation of a portion of a clasp mechanism;

FIG. 15 depicts a cross-section of a portion of one variation of a claspmechanism; and

FIG. 16 depicts a cross-section of a portion of one variation of a claspmechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE VARIATIONS

The following description of the variations is merely illustrative innature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention,its application, or uses. The following description of variants is onlyillustrative of components, elements, acts, products, and methodsconsidered to be within the scope of the invention and are not in anyway intended to limit such scope by what is specifically disclosed ornot expressly set forth. The components, elements, acts, products, andmethods as described herein may be combined and rearranged other than asexpressly described herein and still are within the scope of theinvention.

A sports bra may include a body including a textile such as cotton,polyester, nylon, or the like. The body may include a front portionopposite a back portion, the front portion and back portion connected toone another at an at least one seam. The front portion may include aplurality of cups for supporting the breasts of a wearer. The frontportion and the back portion may also be connected to one another at anat least one shoulder strap. The at least one shoulder strap may includea plurality of straps constructed and arranged to lie over the shoulderor shoulders of a wearer therein providing vertical support for thesports bra. The at least one shoulder strap may include a variety ofconfigurations including a single shoulder strap, cross-straps, twoshoulder straps, or any number of additional straps and supportsincluding ornamental and decorative straps. The sports bra may include achest band positioned approximately below the front portion and the backportion. The chest band may include a plurality of chest bands arrangedon or within the sports bra. The chest band may be constructed andarranged to elastically or non-elastically provide adjustable,circumferential tension in the sports bra. The chest band may includeand may define a break in the circumference in the chest band. The chestband may include an integrated clasp mechanism that may include at leastone loop and at least one protrusion wherein the clasp mechanism may bepositioned near the break in the circumference in the chest band. Theclasp mechanism near the break in the circumference in the chest bandmay be constructed and arranged to allow a user to separate the chestband and increase and reduce tension in the chest band but not in thebody of the sports bra itself. The at least one loop may connect to theat least one catch to assist in elastically or non-elasticallytightening the sports bra around the torso of a wearer. The claspmechanism may include a pleat positioned between the at least one loopand the at least one catch and extending into at least a portion of thefront portion, the break, and the chest band of the sports bra. Theclasp mechanism may include at least one tab or pull cord or loopadjacent the at least one loop constructed and arranged to aid a wearerin pulling the at least one loop toward the at least one protrusion. Byconnecting the at least one catch and connecting the at least one loop,the pleat may fold beneath a portion of the chest band and the frontportion. The clasp mechanism may generally be located beneath a breastof a wearer and more specifically, vertically in line with the apex ofeither the left or right breast such that the clasp mechanism may be atleast partially shielded from coming into contact with the wearer's armor arms during activity or with the floor while the wearer is in a proneposition.

The sports bra may include a continuous textile body that may be,generally, tubular in shape and may be constructed and arranged toclothe a wearer's chest or a portion of a wearer's torso and, morespecifically, cover and reduce movement of the breasts during activity.The sports bra may or may not include cups to assist in covering andreducing movement of the breasts during activity. The sports bra or cupsmay be shaped such that they comfortably cover and reduce the movementof the breasts of a wearer. The cups may be partially spherical ortear-drop shaped, including an apex corresponding approximately to thelocation of the nipple and/or areola, or the apex of a breast of awearer such that they comfortably protect and reduce the movement of thebreasts of a wearer. The clasp mechanism may be located vertically inline with the apex of either the left or right breast or the at leastone cup.

The at least one shoulder strap may be an adjustable or non-adjustable,elastic or non-elastic, strap generally traversing over the shoulder ofa wearer from the front portion of the sports bra to the rear portionand providing vertical support of the sports bra including providingadditional support of a wearer's breasts.

The chest band may be a band that may encircle the torso of a wearer andmay be elastic or non-elastic. The band may be affixed to the outercloth portion of the sports bra, including the front portion and backportion. The band may define a break in the circumference of the band toaccommodate for the pleat of the at least one clasp mechanism.

The clasp mechanism may include at least one catch including at leastone protrusion, at least one loop, at least one pleat, and at least onetab. The at least one protrusion may be positioned on the chest band,opposite the at least one loop and separated by the break defined by theband. The pleat may be positioned therebetween. A user or wearer maypull the at least one loop toward the at least one protrusion andconnect the at least one loop to the at least one protrusion, and loopthe clasp mechanism together thereby folding the pleat and closing thebreak in the chest band such that the sports bra is secure around thetorso of a wearer. The protrusion may assume a variety of shapes, sizes,and configurations, so long as it may engage with the loop in a securefashion. Likewise, the loop may assume a variety of shapes, sizes, andconfigurations, so long as it may engage with the protrusion in acomfortable and secure fashion. As an example, the protrusion may be agenerally bulbous such that the loop may be fixed around a narrowportion of the protrusion, while a larger, more pronounced portion mayprevent the loop from becoming detached from the protrusion. The atleast one loop may include an elastic or non-elastic cord, rope, or bandconstructed and arranged to engage the protrusion. The at least one loopmay also include a rigid key constructed and arranged to clasp into asimilarly shaped recess defined by the protrusion. The protrusion mayinclude a rigid inner portion and a soft or gel coated exterior foradded comfort to the user. It is also contemplated that the protrusionmay define a plurality of slots, holes, or the like to increaseflexibility of the protrusion and comfort to the user.

The pleat may include a fold or multiple folds positioned in the chestband and in a portion of the front portion of the sports bra. The pleatmay include any suitable cloth material and may include an elastic ornon-elastic, expandable, or mesh portion. The pleat may be constructedand arranged to substantially open the chest band and increase theeffective circumference of the chest band and the front and backportions of the sports bra itself, thereby increasing the speed and easeby which the sports bra may be put on or taken off.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a sports bra 10 may include a cloth body 38including a cloth such as cotton, polyester, nylon, synthetic or organicfabrics and textiles, combinations of the same, etc. The sports bra 10may include a front portion 12 opposite a back portion 14, the frontportion 12 and back portion 14 connected to one another at an at leastone seam 16. The front portion 12 may cover a portion of a wearer'schest or the front of a torso and may include a cup or plurality of cups18. The cup or plurality of cups 18 be include an apex 36 correspondingto each individual cup. The back portion 14 may cover a portion of awearer's back or the rear of a torso. The front portion 12 and the backportion 14 may also be connected to one another at at least one shoulderstrap 20. The at least one shoulder strap 20 may include a plurality ofstraps 20 constructed and arranged to lie over the shoulder or shouldersof a wearer therein providing vertical support for the sports bra. Thesports bra 10 may include a chest band 22 positioned below the frontportion 12 and the back portion 14. The chest band 22 may include aplurality of chest bands 22 arranged on or within the sports bra 10. Thechest band 22 may be constructed and arranged to elastically ornon-elastically tighten the sports bra in a horizontal direction. Thechest band 22 may define a break 24 in the circumference of the chestband 22. The chest band 22 may include at least one integrated claspmechanism 26 that may include at least one loop 28 and at least onecatch 68. The at least one loop 28 may define at least one through-hole62. The clasp mechanism 26 may include an integrated pleat 32 positionedbetween the at least one loop 28 and the at least one catch 68 andextending into at least a portion of the front portion 12 and the chestband 22 of the sports bra 10. The pleat 32 may include at least a firstedge 50, and second edge 52, and a third edge 54 and may be generallytriangular, however, alternative shapes of the pleat 32 are contemplatedincluding rectangular, square, circular, etc. The first edge 50 and thesecond edge 52 may be constructed and arranged to attach to one anotherby various means including zippers, straps, hook and clasp,hook-and-loop, touch fasteners, buckles, double ring fasteners, andclasps. The clasp mechanism 26 may include at least one tab 34 adjacentthe at least one loop 28 constructed and arranged to aid a wearer indrawing or pulling the at least one loop 28 toward the at least oneprotrusion 30.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4; the at least one loop 28 may define atleast one through-hole 62. The clasp mechanism 26 may include anintegrated pleat 32 positioned between the at least one loop 28 and theat least one catch 68 and extending into at least a portion of the frontportion 12 and the chest band 22 of the sports bra 10. The pleat 32 mayinclude at least a first edge 50, and second edge 52, and a third edge54 and may be generally triangular, however, alternative shapes of thepleat 32 are contemplated including rectangular, square, circular, etc.The pleat 32 may fold 48 by drawing the first edge 50 towards the secondedge 53 or vice versa. The first edge 50 and the second edge 52 may beconstructed and arranged to attach to one another by various meansincluding zippers, straps, hook and clasp, hook-and-loop, touchfasteners, buckles, double ring fasteners, and clasps. The claspmechanism 26 may include at least one tab 34 adjacent the at least oneloop 28 constructed and arranged to aid a wearer in drawing or pullingthe at least one loop 28 toward the at least one catch 68.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7; the clasp mechanism 26 may include acatch 68 and at least one loop 28 that may define at least onethrough-hole 62 constructed and arranged to matingly receive theprotrusion 30. The protrusion 30 may include a stem 56, a neck 58extending perpendicular from the stem 56, and a lip extendingperpendicular from the neck 58 such that the protrusion 30 forms arecess 42 being constructed and arranged to engage the at least one loop28. The clasp mechanism 26 may further include at least one tab 34constructed and arranged to further aid a user in pulling the at leastone loop 28 towards the catch 68 and protrusion 30 or vice versa suchthat the chest band 22 is drawn together. The chest band 22 may be drawnclosed to nearly or fully close the break 24 defined therein. The pleat32 may form a fold 48 as the chest band 22 is drawn closed and the claspmechanism 26 is secured.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10; the catch 68 may include a stem 56, aneck 58 extending from the stem 56, and a lip extending from the neck 58such that the catch 68 forms a recess 42 being constructed and arrangedto engage the at least one loop 28.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 12, and 13; the clasp mechanism 26 may include aprotrusion including a stem, a neck, and a lip 60 extending from theneck such that the protrusion forms a recess 42 being constructed andarranged to engage the at least one loop 28 or a rigid key 40 orcombination of rigid key 40 and the at least one loop 28.

Referring to FIGS. 14, 15, and 16; the catch 68 may define a pluralityof surface features 46 in the shape of through-holes, slots, slits,grooves, dimples or the like which may be constructed and arranged toprovide flexibility to and reduce weight of the protrusion withoutsacrificing strength. The catch 68 may include a coated exterior 44constructed and arranged to resist damage, abrasion, discoloration, orany other deformation of the protrusion and reduce skin irritation wherethe catch 68 comes into contact with directly or indirectly with theskin. The catch 68 may define a fastener 66 constructed and arranged tofasten, connect, or mechanically mate with the chest band. The catch 68may define at least one internal hollow 64 which may be constructed andarranged to provide flexibility to and reduce weight of the protrusionwithout sacrificing strength.

According to variation 1, a sports bra may include a chest band defininga break therein, the chest band being constructed and arranged toprovide horizontal support of the sports bra; at least one shoulderstrap constructed and arranged provide vertical support of the sportsbra; a body portion integrated with the shoulder strap and the chestband; a clasp mechanism including a catch and a loop wherein the claspmechanism may be positioned within a portion of the break defined by thechest band.

Variation 2 may include a product as set forth in variation 1 whereinthe body portion may further define a partial break near the breakdefined by the chest band and the clasp mechanism may be partiallypositioned within the partial break defined by the body portion.

Variation 3 may include a product as set forth in variation 1 or 2wherein the clasp mechanism may be constructed and arranged to assist auser in increasing and reducing tension in the chest band and partiallyincreasing and reducing tension in the body portion.

Variation 4 may include a product as set forth in any of variations 1through 3 wherein the body portion includes at least one cup constructedand arranged to cover and reduce the movement of the breasts of a wearerand wherein the at least one cup may include an apex correspondingapproximately to the location of a nipple and areola of a breast of awearer.

Variation 5 may include a product as set forth variation 4 wherein theclasp mechanism may be located on the chest band vertically in line withthe apex of either the left or right breast or the at least one cup.

Variation 6 may include a product as set forth in any of variations 1through 5 wherein the clasp mechanism further includes a tab.

According to variation 7, a sports bra including a chest band defining abreak therein; at least one shoulder strap; a front portion opposite aback portion, the front portion and the back portion connected to oneanother at an at least one seam and wherein the at least one shoulderstrap may be positioned between the front portion and the back portionto provide vertical support of the sports bra; and a clasp mechanismincluding a catch, a loop, and a pleat wherein the clasp mechanism maybe positioned within a portion of the break defined by the chest band.

Variation 8 may include a product as set forth in variation 7, whereinthe clasp mechanism may be constructed and arranged to assist a user inincreasing and reducing tension in the chest band.

Variation 9 may include a product as set forth in any of variations 7through 8 wherein the clasp mechanism may be constructed and arranged toassist a user in increasing and reducing tension in the chest band butnot increasing and reducing tension in other components of the sportsbra.

Variation 10 may include a product as set forth in any of variations 7through 9 wherein the front portion includes at least one cupconstructed and arranged to cover and reduce the movement of the breastsof a wearer and wherein the at least one cup may include an apexcorresponding approximately to the location of the nipple and areola ofa breast of a wearer.

Variation 11 may include a product as set forth in variation 10 whereinthe clasp mechanism may be located vertically in line with the apex ofeither the left or right breast or the at least one cup.

Variation 12 may include a product as set forth in any of variations 7through 11 wherein the clasp mechanism further includes a tab.

According to variation 13, a sports bra including a chest band defininga break therein, the chest band being constructed and arranged toprovide horizontal support of the sports bra; a body portion integratedwith the chest band; a clasp mechanism including a protrusion, a loop,and a pleat wherein the clasp mechanism may be positioned within aportion of the break defined by the chest band.

Variation 14 may include a product as set forth in variation 13 whereinthe body portion may further define a partial break and the pleat may bepartially positioned within the partial break defined by the bodyportion.

Variation 15 may include a product as set forth in any of variations 13through 14 wherein the clasp mechanism may be constructed and arrangedto assist a user in increasing and reducing tension in the chest bandand partially increasing and reducing tension in the body portion.

Variation 16 may include a product as set forth in any of variations 13through 15 wherein the body portion includes at least one cupconstructed and arranged to cover and reduce the movement of the breastsof a wearer and wherein the at least one cup may include an apexcorresponding approximately to the location of a nipple and areola of abreast of a wearer.

Variation 17 may include a product as set forth in variation 16 whereinthe clasp mechanism may be located vertically in line with the apex ofeither the left or right breast or the at least one cup.

Variation 18 may include a product as set forth in any of variations 13through 17 wherein the clasp mechanism further includes a tab.

Variation 19 may include a product as set forth in any of variations 13through 18 wherein the protrusion may include a stem, a neck extendingperpendicular from the stem, and a lip extending perpendicular from theneck such that the protrusion forms a recess being constructed andarranged to engage the at least one loop.

Variation 20 may include a product as set forth in variation 19 whereinthe at least one loop includes a key constructed and arranged tolockingly engage the recess of the at least one catch.

The above description of variations of the invention is merelydemonstrative in nature and, thus, variations thereof are not to beregarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the inventionsdisclosed within this document.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sports bra comprising: a chest band defining abreak therein, the chest band being constructed and arranged to providehorizontal support of the sports bra; at least one shoulder strapconstructed and arranged provide vertical support of the sports bra; abody portion integrated with the shoulder strap and the chest band; anda clasp mechanism comprising a protrusion and a loop wherein the claspmechanism is positioned with in a portion of the break defined by thechest band.
 2. The sports bra as set forth in claim 1 wherein the bodyportion further defines a partial break near the break defined by thechest band and wherein the clasp mechanism is partially positionedwithin the partial break defined by the body portion.
 3. The sports braas set forth in claim 1 wherein the clasp mechanism is constructed andarranged to assist a user in increasing and reducing tension in thechest band and partially increasing and reducing tension in the bodyportion.
 4. The sports bra as set forth in claim 1 wherein the bodyportion includes at least one cup constructed and arranged to cover andreduce the movement of the breasts of a wearer and wherein the at leastone cup may include an apex corresponding approximately to the locationof a nipple and areola of a breast of a wearer.
 5. The sports bra as setforth in claim 4 wherein the clasp mechanism is located vertically inline with the apex of at least one of the left breast, right breast, andthe at least one cup.
 6. The sports bra as set forth in claim 1 whereinthe clasp mechanism further comprises a tab.
 7. A sports bra comprising:a chest band defining a break therein; at least one shoulder strap; afront portion opposite a back portion, the front portion and the backportion connected to one another at an at least one seam and wherein theat least one shoulder strap is positioned between the front portion andthe back portion to provide vertical support of the sports bra; and aclasp mechanism comprising a catch, a loop, and a pleat wherein theclasp mechanism is positioned within a portion of the break defined bythe chest band.
 8. The sports bra as set forth in claim 7 wherein theclasp mechanism is constructed and arranged to assist a user inincreasing and reducing tension in the chest band.
 9. The sports bra asset forth in claim 7 wherein the clasp mechanism is constructed andarranged to assist a user in increasing and reducing tension in thechest band but not increasing and reducing tension in other componentsof the sports bra.
 10. The sports bra as set forth in claim 7 whereinthe front portion includes at least one cup constructed and arranged tocover and reduce the movement of the breasts of a wearer and wherein theat least one cup may include an apex corresponding approximately to thelocation of the nipple and areola of a breast of a wearer.
 11. Thesports bra as set forth in claim 10 wherein the clasp mechanism islocated vertically in line with the apex of either the left or rightbreast or the at least one cup.
 12. The sports bra as set forth in claim7 wherein the clasp mechanism further comprises a tab.
 13. A sports bracomprising: a chest band defining a break therein, the chest band beingconstructed and arranged to provide horizontal support of the sportsbra; a body portion integrated with the chest band; a clasp mechanismcomprising a catch, a loop, and a pleat wherein the clasp mechanism ispositioned within a portion of the break defined by the chest band. 14.The sports bra as set forth in claim 13 wherein the body portion furtherdefines a partial break and the pleat is partially positioned within thepartial break defined by the body portion.
 15. The sports bra as setforth in claim 13 wherein the clasp mechanism is constructed andarranged to assist a user in increasing and reducing tension in thechest band and partially increasing and reducing tension in the bodyportion.
 16. The sports bra as set forth in claim 13 wherein the bodyportion includes at least one cup constructed and arranged to cover andreduce the movement of the breasts of a wearer and wherein the at leastone cup may include an apex corresponding approximately to the locationof a nipple and areola of a breast of a wearer.
 17. The sports bra asset forth in claim 16 wherein the clasp mechanism is located verticallyin line with the apex of either the left or right breast or the at leastone cup.
 18. The sports bra as set forth in claim 13 wherein the claspmechanism further comprises a tab.
 19. The sports bra as set forth inclaim 13 wherein the catch comprises a protrusion, a stem, a neckextending perpendicular from the stem, and a lip extending perpendicularfrom the neck such that the protrusion forms a recess being constructedand arranged to engage the at least one loop.
 20. The sports bra as setforth in claim 13 wherein the at least one loop comprises a keyconstructed and arranged to lockingly engage the recess of the at leastone catch.